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Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat Closing on July 7

  • Writer: Trixie
    Trixie
  • Jun 5
  • 2 min read

Disney has confirmed that two familiar attractions at Magic Kingdom are closing soon. Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will shut down starting July 7, 2025.


Liberty Belle at Magic Kingdom 📸 Image Credit: © Disney_wise
Liberty Belle at Magic Kingdom 📸 Image Credit: © Disney_wise

Two Attractions Closing at Magic Kingdom


Disney has announced that Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will be closing on July 7, 2025. These closures are tied to construction for the upcoming Cars-themed area being developed in that part of the park.


According to the Disney World website, the final day to experience either attraction will be Sunday, July 6. After that, both are listed as unavailable.



Liberty Belle at Magic Kingdom 📸 Image Credit: © Disney_wise
Liberty Belle at Magic Kingdom 📸 Image Credit: © Disney_wise

How Disney Guests Are Feeling


For many guests, the Riverboat is a relaxing break from the crowds, and Tom Sawyer Island has always been a spot where kids could run free. That kind of play space is getting harder to find in the parks. With The Boneyard in Animal Kingdom expected to close next, it’s starting to feel like a shift away from open-ended experiences.


Not everyone is heartbroken, though. Some fans admit they rarely took the time to visit Tom Sawyer Island. Getting there and back on the rafts takes effort, and it’s tough to justify the detour when you’re trying to fit in headliners like Space Mountain or Pirates of the Caribbean.



Liberty Belle with Fireworks at Magic Kingdom 📸 Image Credit: © Disney_wise
Liberty Belle with Fireworks at Magic Kingdom 📸 Image Credit: © Disney_wise

What’s Coming Next


Even if the closures sting a little, there’s still excitement around what’s coming next. The new Cars area, inspired by Piston Peak, is bringing National Park-style theming to Magic Kingdom. It’s a fresh direction and could breathe new life into the area.


It’s also worth watching how this compares to what Universal is doing. Their upcoming Universal Kids Resort has fans curious, and some are already saying Universal is catching up fast when it comes to creating spaces designed for families with younger kids.


🧡 Brought to you by Tips and Tricks for Brits — helping UK travellers make the most of every Disney moment.

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